Heaven Refining physique Chapter 223: Heaven’s Way

A chain of mountains, uniquely barren at their peaks yet adorned with trees at their bases, stood starkly against the sky. Intricate lines, etched by year-round, relentless winds, marked their desolate upper reaches.

At the foot of these imposing peaks, three cultivators and two spirit beasts had established a temporary camp. One of the cultivators intended to remain here for an extended period.

This distinguished group consisted of Huan Caiyi, Zhi Hui, Ming Yue, Meiying, and Fenglai. Their journey had led them deep into the northern territories.

They had arrived at what was known as the Galecrest Mountain Range, a place renowned for its fierce gales, which offered a prime environment for those practicing wind laws.

The sheer size of the mountain range meant that even with other wind law cultivators present, securing an unoccupied peak for themselves was uncomplicated.

"It is time for you to depart now," Huan Caiyi instructed, her gaze fixed on Zhi Hui.

Zhi Hui acknowledged with a nod and departed. The summit of the mountain was a place beyond the reach of cultivators below the Heavenly King Realm; the winds there were not merely strong but possessed a sharpness akin to blades.

"I do wonder about junior brother's current situation... He ought to have accompanied us," Ming Yue mused with a sigh.

"Grrrhhhh..." Fenglai purred in agreement.

"Let it be, Jiang Hao's path diverges from ours. You should focus on your cultivation for now; Hui'er will require time. I intend to meditate as well," Huan Caiyi stated, commencing the creation of a cave for their respite.

Their passage had been remarkably smooth. Huan Caiyi and Zhi Hui made no effort to conceal their cultivation realms. Outside the central region, cultivators of the Heavenly King Realm were afforded great respect, ensuring no conflicts arose.

This region was brimming with wind laws. Given Zhi Hui's innate talent and the significant law seed she already possessed due to her Heavenly Spiritual Roots, the likelihood of her sprouting it and advancing to the mid-stage of the Heavenly King Realm was substantial.

Although both Huan Caiyi and Zhi Hui were capable of progressing through comprehension of their Dao, they continued to absorb Qi from their surroundings and utilize resources. This was twofold: firstly, their body cultivation had not yet reached grade 7, and secondly, for their destiny treasures.

As their destiny treasures had already reached the peak of the Tribulation Ascendance Realm, the amount of absorption required was not immense, yet it remained significant.

The restoration of their destiny treasures was a critical undertaking, as these artifacts aided in Dao comprehension.

Acquiring a destiny treasure had proven immensely beneficial. Many encountered significant difficulties in obtaining one, and even then, the task of elevating its grade and level demanded years of dedicated effort.

This very reason explained the extended timelines associated with cultivation beyond the Heavenly King Realm. For those with weaker comprehension abilities, reaching the subsequent stage within a single lifetime could prove an insurmountable challenge.

.....

Approximately three days passed on the vessel without further incident. The majority of the cultivators occupied themselves with meditation or casual conversation.

Jiang Hao once again found himself gazing out at the vast ocean. He could not ascertain its depth, certain that even his spiritual sense would be insufficient to gauge it.

Seas and oceans constituted a significant portion of the world, hinting at the presence of immense, undiscovered mysteries concealed within their abyssal depths.

Humanity was incapable of exploring these realms, even if they harbored the desire. The entirety of the oceans and seas formed a vast Forbidden Zone, governed solely by formidable beasts.

This understanding, though not explicitly stated in any agreement, was a given that required no mention. Even terrestrial beasts refrained from venturing into the true depths of these waters, let alone humans.

As these thoughts occupied him, he observed three more vessels approaching from the opposite direction.

These were presumed to be the ships that had departed Tidewind City, bound for the eastern region. Their arrival was precisely scheduled for three and a half days hence, completing a weekly cycle. Just as he contemplated this, a subtle disturbance registered.

Suddenly, a colossal ripple erupted, and a pack of beasts emerged from the sea. They were immense, each bearing a long, sharp appendage at the front of its maw. Small arcs of lightning flickered around their forms, and at that moment, their attention was fixed upon the approaching boats.

These creatures ranged from the early stages of Grade 6 to the late stages, with only one beast at the peak stage.

"Curse these Stormfin Pikes! Have we drawn such misfortune?"

"Fear not, the boat's protectors are present for precisely this reason. And do not forget the support of those other three vessels."

"Indeed, with four peak-stage Void Reversion Realm cultivators and two early-stage Heavenly King Realm cultivators, it should pose no threat... However, let us recall their past exploits; they have managed to sink three ships."

"Who could possibly forget that..."

.....

Jiang Hao overheard the discussions surrounding him, yet his gaze remained riveted on the group of beasts hovering before them. An unsettling premonition suggested that the situation was far from straightforward.

"Senior, could this truly be a mere coincidence?"

Yao Ying offered a knowing smile upon hearing his question. "I understand what you seek to know, but that is simply how the heavens operate, always striving for equilibrium."

The fact that you possess a celestial physique is not lost upon them, and they will undoubtedly endeavor to impede your progress. However, their efforts are confined within certain limits. Consider it more of a trial than an attempt at your complete annihilation."

Jiang Hao found himself recalling the words of Senior Hu Tian concerning the obstacles he was destined to face.

"Your life must have compelled you to alter your initial plans on numerous occasions thus far. The heavens possess a peculiar knack for orchestrating circumstances that prove disadvantageous to you; yielding means conceding defeat."

This statement resonated deeply with Jiang Hao; indeed, his path had been marked by repeated forced departures from his original intentions.

"Let us discuss, in broad terms, why the heavens specifically target individuals with special physiques, particularly those of a celestial nature."

"You see, every cultivator embarks on a arduous and perilous journey; such dangers are inherent to the very essence of cultivation. Some perish, unable to surmount a breakthrough, while others, failing to grasp their cultivation techniques correctly, succumb to qi deviation. However, these predicaments tend to bypass those who are blessed with a special constitution."

"And given the heavens' principle of maintaining balance, how could they permit individuals possessing such gifts to cultivate without hindrance? Since they are unable to erect genuine cultivation bottlenecks for you, they have instead interfered with your good fortune."

"Consequently, experiencing misfortune translates into facing a multitude of trials. In the past, you were accompanied by Huan Caiyi and Zhi Hui, which meant that the majority of the adversities you encountered were somehow resolved with relative ease, and you scarcely felt the weight of the burden."

"But from this point forward, you must confront these challenges independently. Your travels through the mortal realms offered fewer tribulations because scarce were the elements that posed a genuine threat to your existence. Yet, the current situation is vastly different."